Different people smoke for different reasons. Learning to identify why you smoke and learning new skills and behaviors will be the key to your success. In this article, we will look at the three different types of smokers, addicted, habitual, or psychological, and the skills and behaviors that each can use to be successful in their quest to stop smoking.

Addicted Smokers

If you are an addicted smoker, your body physically craves nicotine. Because your body has gotten used to having this nicotine in it, it will react strongly when the supply is cut off. You will have intense cravings and the best way to deal with them is going to be to distract yourself and wait for the craving to pass. Take your mind off smoking by getting up and doing a physical activity, preferably one that doesn’t cause stress. A leisurely walk or exercise that isn’t too strenuous are good choices.

Also learn to take deep, slow breaths that simulate inhaling a cigarette but do it in a relaxing manner. Concentrate on the relaxation technique to take your mind off the craving. Keep in mind that withdrawals are more severe for addicted smokers, but that they only last a few days. After that, you will have an easier time.

Habitual Smokers

Habitual smokers are those who smoke out of sheer habit. While you will also have withdrawals like the addicted smoker, they won’t be as severe. Your main challenge will be learning to break your habit. Know what triggers your smoking, such as smoking at certain times or around certain people. You may have to change your patterns of activity. Find something else to do while you are having a drink or after dinner. Nicely, explain to the people that you smoke with, that you either need them not to smoke around you for the time being, or that you will not be around until your overcome your smoking habit.

Psychological Smokers

Emotional needs and stress are what the psychological smoker will have to re-learn in order to quit smoking. You will need to find other things that you take comfort and pleasure in, preferably not food. You will also need to learn to relax and control your stress in other ways instead of turning to cigarettes.

By identifying the type of smoker you are, and planning ahead of time what to replace old behaviors with that will help you eliminate smoking, it will be no time when you are able to say, "I’m a nonsmoker."

Jason Ladock

Copyrighted material; do not reprint without permission.

 

View all articles by Jason Ladock